The project will convert the underused auditorium, built in 1926, into a performing arts center that will serve as an event space and provides a venue for local arts organizations.

Choosing a construction team was the last great hurdle in the planning process, preceded by the selection of a project management firm and a design team, said J. Bruce Bugg Jr., chairman and president of the foundation. Bugg said 11 national construction companies partnered with local firms to bid for the project and the team of Zachry and Linbeck was chosen from a pool of four finalists.

"Now we have our construction team put in place, so we have all three of the key components to move this project forward, making the transition to a world-class performing arts center," he said.

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The construction team was chosen because of Linbeck's work on projects such as the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth and Zachry's "history of excellence in the completion of iconic projects in the San Antonio community," Bugg said.

"We fully understand the vision for the new performing arts facility and respect the critical role the new center will play in advancing San Antonio's performing arts capabilities," David Zachry, president and CEO of Zachry Construction, said in a written statement.

Construction on the project, funded by $100 million from the county's venue tax and $32 million from private sources, is scheduled to begin in June 2011 and is expected to be complete in September 2013.

"We are excited to work on this project and look forward to working together with the Bexar County Performing Arts Center Foundation to create a new facility which will forever transform San Antonio's performing arts 'stage,'" Charles Greco, president and CEO of Linbeck, said in a written statement. "Our people are passionate about projects that significantly impact our communities."